Lisa and Larry’s Wedding September 25, 2010

The Wedding Mass Introductory Rite ............................................................................... 1 LLiturgy of the Word ........................................................................... 2 RRite of Marriage................................................................................. 4 LLiturgy of the Eucharist ..................................................................... 7 CCommunion Rite ............................................................................. 10 

Communion Song: “Our Blessing Cup” ................................... 13 CConcluding Rite ............................................................................... 14 

Recessional Song: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” ............... 15

About… The Musicians ................................................................................. 17 The Wedding Party .......................................................................... 19 

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IIntroductory Rite Entrance [Procession of the Bridal Party: “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring,” J.S. Bach (Choir Only)] [Entrance of the Flower Girls: “Flower-Duet,” from Lakme, Leo Dilibes (Instrumental)] [Entrance of the Bride: “The King’s March,” Jeremiah Clarke (Instrumental)]

Rite of Welcome [The versions of the Priest’s prayers written here are typical but the Priest may choose different variations of the prayer that he says during the Mass.] Priest: Larry and Lisa, I welcome you here in the name of this parish, the diocese, and of the Universal Church. The whole of God’s people shares your joy today, for we are here to celebrate the triumph of love over division, of life over death. You are God’s messengers to us all today. We thank you for your witness of God’s love in your lives. Let us now celebrate that love together.

Greeting Priest: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. [All together make the sign of the cross.] All: Amen. Priest: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.

Opening Prayer Priest: Let us pray. Father, you have made the bond of marriage a holy mystery, a symbol of Christ’s love for his Church. Hear our prayers for Larry and Lisa. With faith in you and in each other they pledge their love today. May their lives always bear witness to the reality of that love. All: Amen.

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LLiturgy of the Word First Reading [Proverbs 31: 10-12, 20-30] Lector: A reading from the Book of Proverbs ... When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize. She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. She fears not the snow for her household; all her charges are doubly clothed. She makes her own coverlets; fine linen and purple are her clothing. Her husband is prominent at the city gates as he sits with the elders of the land. She makes garments and sells them, and stocks the merchants with belts. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs at the days to come. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and on her tongue is kindly counsel. She watches the conduct of her household, and eats not her food in idleness. Her children rise up and praise her; her husband, too, extols her: “Many are the women of proven worth, but you have excelled them all.” Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Lector: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God!

Responsorial Psalm [Psalm 128, “Blest are Those Who Love You”] Cantor/All: [Repeat]

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Second Reading [Ephesians 5: 2, 21-33] Lector: A reading from the Letter of Paul to the Ephesians ... Live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is head of his wife just as Christ is head of the church, he himself the savior of the body. As the church is subordinate to Christ, so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the bath of water with the word, that he might present to himself the church in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. So (also) husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “For this reason a man shall leave (his) father and (his) mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church. In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself, and the wife should respect her husband. Lector: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God!

Gospel Acclamation Cantor/All: [Repeat]

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Gospel Priest: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Priest: A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John. All: Glory to you, Lord! [John 15: 9-17] Priest: As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.” Priest: The Gospel of the Lord. All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!

Homily [The priest then speaks to the people, reflecting on the meaning of the marriage in light of God’s Word.]

RRite of Marriage Address and Statement of Intentions Priest: My dear friends, you have come together in this church so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of the Church’s minister and this community. Christ abundantly blesses this love. He has already consecrated you in baptism and now he enriches and strengthens you by a special sacrament so that you may assume the duties of marriage in mutual and lasting fidelity. And so, in the presence of the Church, I ask you to state your intentions.

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Priest: Lawrence and Lisa Margaret, have you come here freely and without reservations to give yourselves to each other in marriage? Will you love and honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives? Will you accept children lovingly from God, and bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church? Groom: I will. Bride: I will.

Consent and Exchange of Vows Priest: Since it is your intention to enter into marriage, join your rights hands, and declare your consent before God and his Church [They join hands.] Groom: I, Lawrence, take you, Lisa Margaret, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days on my life. Bride: I, Lisa Margaret, take you, Lawrence, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life. Priest: You have declared your consent before the Church. May the Lord in his goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with his blessings. What God has joined, men must not divide. All: Amen.

Blessing and Exchange of Rings Priest: Lord, bless and consecrate Lawrence and Lisa Margaret in their love for each other. May these rings be a symbol of true faith in each other, and always remind them of their love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. All: Amen. [The groom places the bridge’s ring on her finger.] Groom: Lisa Margaret, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

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[The bride places the groom’s ring on his finger.] Bride: Lawrence, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

General Intercessions Lector: For Larry and Lisa on this day of great joy: for the grace to persevere in love, cherish each other in all things, and share their love generously with all those whom they encounter. We pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer. Lector: For Larry and Lisa’s families, as they rejoice in this newly-married couple’s happiness, and welcome new family members. We pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer. Lector: For all married couples, called to show to the world God’s faithfulness in their love and tenderness for each other, and for couples who are struggling to love each other. We pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer. Lector: For the Church of God, that we may be more aware of our vocation as the bride of Christ: let us pray. All: Lord, hear our prayer. Lector: For a world of peace and justice for all, the best gift we can give to our children. We pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer. Lector: For all of us gathered here, called to grow in love for the human community and use our gifts to build a better world. We pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer. Lector: For the members of Larry and Lisa’s families who have died, and for those who feel their absence most keenly at this time of joy. We pray to the Lord. All: Lord, hear our prayer.

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LLiturgy of the Eucharist [While the offertory song is sung, two members of the congregation present the gifts to the priest. The priest carries them to the altar and silently says the Prayer over the Gifts.] [Offertory Song: “Holy Art Thou” (choir only)] Choir: Holy, most holy art Thou, Lord God Almighty, Holy art Thou, holy art Thou, Lord God Almighty, Who wert and art, Who wert and art, and art to come. Holy art Thou, Holy art Thou, Lord God Almighty, Glory and majesty in heav’n are Thine. Earth lowly bending, Swells the full harmony, Blessing and glory to the Lamb for ever-more. for worthy, worthy art Thou; let all nations and kindreds and peoples give thanks to Thee for ever-more give thanks for ever-more. Let all nations and kindreds and peoples give thanks to Thee for ever-more. [George F. Handel, Arranged by Leigh Kingsmill]

Preface Dialogue Priest: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. Priest: Lift up your hearts. All: We lift them up to the Lord. Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God. All: It is right to give him thanks and praise.

Preface Priest: Father, it is our duty and salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. He is the Word through whom you made the universe, the Savior you sent to redeem us. By the power of the Holy Spirit he took flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary. For our sake he opened his arms on the cross; he put an end to death and revealed the resurrection. In this he fulfilled your will and won for you a holy people.

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And so we join the angels and saints in proclaiming your glory:

Sanctus All:

Epiclesis Priest: Lord, you are holy indeed, the fountain of all holiness. Let your Spirit come upon these gifts to make them holy, so that they may become for us the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Institution Narrative Priest: Before he was given up to death, a death he freely accepted, he took bread and gave you thanks, He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said: Take this, all of you, and eat it: this is my body which will be given up for you. When the supper was ended, he took the cup. Again he gave you thanks and praise, gave the cup to his disciples, and said: Take this, all of you, and drink from it: this is the cup of my blood, the blood of the new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do this in memory of me.

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Memorial Acclamation Priest: Let us proclaim the mystery of faith: All:

Anamnesis, Offering, and Intercessions Priest: In memory of his death and resurrection, we offer you, Father, this life-giving bread, this saving cup. We thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and serve you. May all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ be brought together in unity by the Holy Spirit. Lord, remember your Church throughout the world; make us grow in love, together with Benedict our Pope, Richard our bishop, and all the clergy. Remember our brothers and sisters who have gone to their rest in the hope of rising again; bring them and all the departed into the light of your presence. Have mercy on us all; make us worthy to share eternal life with Mary, the virgin Mother of God, with the apostles, and with all the saints who have done your will throughout the ages. May we praise you in union with them, and give you glory through your Son, Jesus Christ.

Great Amen Priest: Through him, with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever. All:

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CCommunion Rite Lord’s Prayer Priest: Let us pray with confidence to the Father in the words our Savior gave us. All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

Nuptial Blessing Priest: My dear friends, let us turn to the Lord and pray that he will bless with his grace this woman now married in Christ to this man and that (though the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ,) he will unite in love the couple he has joined in this holy bond. [All pray silently.] Priest: Father, by your power you have made everything out of nothing. In the beginning you created the universe and made mankind in your own likeness. You gave man the constant help of woman so that man and woman should no longer be two, but one flesh, and you teach us that what you have united may never be divided. Father, you have made the union of man and wife so holy a mystery that it symbolizes the marriage of Christ and his Church. Father, by your plan man and woman are united, and married life has been established as the one blessing that was not forfeited by original sin or washed away in the flood. Look with love upon this woman, your daughter, now joined to her husband in marriage. She asks your blessing. Give her the grace of love and peace. May she always follow the example of the holy women whose praises are sung in the scriptures. May her husband put his trust in her and recognize that she is his equal and the heir with him to the life of grace. May he always honor her and love her as Christ loves his bride, the Church.

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Father, keep them always true to your commandments. Keep them faithful in marriage and let them be living examples of Christian life. Give them the strength which comes from the gospel so that they may be witnesses of Christ to others. Bless them with children and help them to be good parents. May they live to see their children’s children. And, after a happy old age, grant them fullness of life with the saints in the kingdom of heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. All: Amen.

Sign of Peace Priest: Lord Jesus Christ, you said to your apostles: I leave you peace, my peace I give you. Look not on our sins, but on the faith of your Church, and grant us the peace and unity of your kingdom where you live for ever and ever. All: Amen. Priest: The Peace of the Lord be with you always. All: And also with you. Priest: Let us offer each other a sign of peace. [The ministers and all the people exchange an embrace, handshake, or other appropriate gesture of peace with those near them.]

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Lamb of God

Communion Priest: This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper. All: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed. [As the Communion Song is sung, the people normally process to the front in lines, receive communion standing, and then return to their places in the congregation. In some cases, the ministers may go to other locations within the church to distribute communion, or may even approach individuals at their places (esp. the elderly or infirmed). Communion is offered “under both species,” i.e., both the consecrated bread and the consecrated wine. It may be distributed by priests, deacons, or designated lay persons, called “Eucharistic Ministers.” Communicants are encouraged to receive the consecrated bread in their hands, but may also receive communion on the tongue. After returning to their places, the people are encouraged to remain standing until everyone has received communion.] Communion Minister: The body of Christ. Communicant: Amen. Communion Minister: The blood of Christ. Communicant: Amen.

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Communion Song: “Our Blessing Cup” All:

[When the distribution of Communion is completed, the priest invites the people to sit and pray individually.] [Song after Communion: “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” (choir only)] Choir: The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord lift his countenance up on you; and give you peace, and give you peace, the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you, be gracious, the Lord be gracious, gracious unto you. Amen. [Peter C. Lutkin, edited by Ruth Heller]

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Prayer after Communion Priest: Let us pray. Priest: Lord, in your love you have given us this eucharist to unite us with one another and with you. As you have made Larry and Lisa one in this sacrament of marriage (and in the sharing of the one bread and the one cup), so now make them one in love for each other. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. All: Amen.

Announcements [The people may remain standing, or may be invited to sit, depending on the length of the announcements.]

CConcluding Rite Greeting Priest: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.

Blessing Priest: Bow your heads and pray for God's blessing. Priest: May God, the almighty Father, give you his joy and bless you. All: Amen. Priest: May the only Son of God have mercy on you and help you in good times and in bad. All: Amen. Priest: May the Holy Spirit of God always fill your hearts with his love. All: Amen. Priest: May almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. All: Amen.

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Dismissal Priest: The Mass is ended, go in peace to love and serve the Lord. All: Thanks be to God!

Recessional Song: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” All:

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The Musicians Joseph Metzinger (Organ & Conducting) Director of Music for the Church of the Gesu, Joe studied with Robert Rayfield at Indiana University and with Peter Marshall at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he received a doctoral degree in Liturgical Music in 1993. He has done research and has publications in Gregorian Chant, the Liturgy of the Hours and Liturgical Architecture. Joe’s proudest achievement is attracting so many talented musicians and singers to share their talents at Gesu liturgies and concerts.

Julia Russ (Piano) Assistant Conductor and Accompanist at Gesu, Julia received her Bachelor of Music in Theory and History from the University of Toronto where she studied piano under Andrew Markow. She received her Master of Music in Piano Performance from Kent State University, where she studied under Dr. Donna Lee. She has won many awards in competitions including the First Prize in Solo Piano Group; Second Prize in Concerto Group; and Merit Scholarship from the 2001 Peel Music Festival (Canada), and First Prize in Piano Group of the 2006 Tuesday Musical Association’s Scholarship Competition (Akron, Ohio).

Paul Smith (Trumpet) Paul received a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Bowling Green State University and earned his Master of Music, Trumpet from the Cleveland Institute of Music. His teachers include Joseph Hruby, George Novak, Edwin Betts, Bernard Adelstein and Charles Couch. He is a former member of the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, the Lakeside Symphony Orchestra, the New Century Brass and the Heritage Brass Quintet. He first performed at Gesu in a liturgy celebrating the 60th anniversary of Father Francis Deitz in 1981 and since that time he has contributed regularly to Gesu’s special liturgies throughout the years.

Susi Tedrick (Flute) Susi began her musical career at age five studying piano and music theory. She began playing flute at age ten and played in civic orchestras at age twelve. After moving to Cleveland, she continued her studies with Maurice Sharp, principal flautist of the Cleveland Orchestra. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Albion College where she played in the College Orchestra as well as the Jackson Civic Orchestra. Susi has concertized in Italy, California, and throughout Ohio, and has played in pit orchestras for many musicals. Currently she teaches flute, violin and piano. She performs regularly at Gesu and St. John’s Cathedral in addition to other Cleveland area churches.

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James Thompson (Violin) An eleventh grader at St. Ignatius High School, Jimmy began studying violin at the age of four at the Cleveland Institute of Music. In February 2009, he appeared as a soloist with the Suburban Symphony Orchestra after winning their Young Artist Concerto Competition. As the winner of other competitions, Jimmy has appeared as a soloist with the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra, the Firelands Symphony Orchestra, and as a performer for the Sigma Alpha Iota String Competition. In the summer of 2009, Jimmy performed concerti at three Boston area concerts as a result of winning the Cleveland Symphony Youth Orchestra competition.

Lori Wright (Soprano) Lori has been singing in church choirs since the fourth grade when her mom took her along to her choir practice. While in high school she played guitar and was the leader of the Folk Choir in addition to singing with the adult choir at her church in Tacoma, Washington. Lori has a Master’s degree in voice from Washington State University. Before moving to Cleveland, she directed the Washington State University Show Choir for nine years and also performed in musicals and operettas with various theater companies in the Northwest. In Cleveland, Lori held professional singing positions with Calvary Presbyterian and the Old Stone Church before joining the Gesu Gallery Choir.

Sue Devers (Soprano) Sue has been cantoring at Gesu for 16 years and also sang with the Cleveland Athletic Club Singers from inception to club closing in 2008. She has been a featured soloist on two CDs that Gesu has produced and on trips to Rome in 1999 and The Salzburg Music Festival in 2002. Sue will be singing at her firstborn's wedding on October 2nd. She is a member of the Gesu Chamber Choir, and also sings at weddings and funerals.

Colleen Hogan (Soprano) Colleen's mother says she has been singing all her life because her first cry had a musical lilt. As a young girl, Colleen sang with Cleveland's Singing Angels, where her greatest memory was singing for Pope John Paul II. Colleen was a member of the Western Reserve Chorale and she has taught Kindermusik. Colleen is currently a member of Gesu's Chamber Choir and serves as a cantor. Her greatest musical moments occur when she sings lullabies for her five children.

The Gesu Combined Choirs Comprised of members from both the Gesu Chamber and Gallery Choirs. Although primarily liturgical ensembles, both choirs have performed at various special services in the Cleveland area and appeared on local TV. The Combined

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Choirs have made three CD recordings and have performed concerts in Italy, Austria and Germany as well as the Cleveland area. They performed major works such as the Mozart “Solemn Mass in C Major” and the Bruckner “Te Deum” with orchestra in concert settings. They were invited to participate in Salzburg Choral Festival in 2002 and to sing for a Solemn High Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican in 1999.

The Wedding Party Honorary Mother of the Bride: Shirley Mierzejewski Aunt Shirley is presenting the gifts along with Larry’s dad. Lisa’s mother and Shirley were the only two children in their family so they knew each other pretty well. They loved each other too. We are sure Lisa’s mother is pleased that her only sister is filling her shoes today. So when Larry proposed, Lisa asked her aunt to be her honorary mother. And she said yes. Lisa has the blessing of her cousins to “borrow” their mom for a day. Thank You Duane, Kevin, Cheryl and Linda! We love you all. THANK YOU, AUNT SHIRLEY! We love you. – Lisa and Larry

Honorary Father of the Bride: Paul J. Barnhart Since neither Lisa’s mother nor her father can be here on this day, Lisa asked her brother if he could… and before she got the words out “walk me down the aisle,” he said “yes” (which was probably my father talking). Lisa immediately thought of her brother because he had become the head of the family. We are grateful that he is taking dad’s place… and, NO, the church will not be struck by lightning. THANK YOU, PAUL! We love you. – Lisa and Larry

Mother of the Groom: Shirley Leinweber Did we mention Larry’s mom and Lisa’s aunt have the same first name? Today would not have happened if it were not for Mrs. Leinweber (nee Fichthorn) moving to Cleveland, Ohio for a job, and eventually meeting her future husband Joseph. Mom is a beautiful soul. She is lovely, humorous and quick-witted, and displays a great deal of love for her children, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. She has made Lisa feel like a daughter from the day they met. After Lisa’s mother passed, Larry said: “You can share my mom”... and now we do. THANK YOU, MOM! We Love You – Lisa and Larry

Father of the Groom: Joseph Leinweber Joe is presenting the gifts along with Lisa’s aunt, Shirley. Mr. Leinweber, a retired tool and die maker, is an example of a hard working man, doing good for his family…a skilled tradesman. Larry got his “work ethic” from his father, as

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well as his moral ethic too. Larry’s father enjoyed riding a motorcycle in his younger days. Larry inherited the skill and now we both enjoy riding. Larry’s father has also made Lisa feel like a daughter. Both Larry’s dad and mother were incredibly supportive after the death of Lisa’s mother. Larry’s parents drove across town in very bad, snowy weather, to pay their respects, offer prayers in communion at the mass and provide support for us. We’ll be forever grateful for that, and having the two of you here to share this day with us. THANK YOU, DAD! We Love You – Lisa and Larry

Matron of Honor: Cheryl Schwartz Lisa has known Cheryl for about 13 years. Over the years, Lisa has learned Cheryl is a special woman. She is very much like the sister Lisa never had. Cheryl makes you smile when you’re sad, defends you against those who would persecute you, and gives generously and graciously of herself, making you feel at home wherever you are. Because Cheryl is such an integral part in all of this, we are as happy today as Lisa was for Cheryl on her wedding day. THANK YOU, CHERYL! We love you – Lisa and Larry

Best Man: Richard Schwartz Did you notice he has the last name as the Matron of Honor? Lisa has known Rich for about 25 years. Rich is a dear friend to both of us. Rich and Cheryl will always be a part of our family. Just as Cheryl is our sister, Rich is our brother, which is a cliché, perhaps, but heart-felt. It has been a blessing to watch the relationship and love Rich and Cheryl have for each other bloom into what it is today. We pray the same for us and have no doubt our love will be as strong (OK - Stronger). We could think of no one else who could get Larry through this day (well, and maybe with the a little help from Labatt’s). THANK YOU, RICHARD! We Love you – Lisa and Larry

Bridesmaid: Brenda Barnhart Another same last name as someone else in the bridal party?! If you guessed sister-in-law of the bride, you are correct! Brenda is Lisa’s sister-in-law, but we simply know her and love her as our sister. She is the mother of our adorable and precious niece and nephew, Stacy and Joe. One of the reasons Lisa asked Brenda to be in the bridal party was that she helped this day come to be. It was the day of our first date (and the day after the birth of our nephew). Lisa was getting cold feet about going on the date and was considering backing out. Brenda told Lisa and eventually convinced her to go and have a good time. If it didn’t work out she would be no worse off than before. Well, needless to say, we’re glad Lisa took Brenda’s advice! THANK YOU, BRENDA! We love you – Lisa and Larry

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Usher: Duane Mierzejewski The word “usher” does not do Duane justice! Today is all about love, and Duane exemplifies that word. We wanted Duane to be part of this day with us for all that he unselfishly did for Lisa’s mother while she was in Hospice House. He was there for her day after day. He would sit with her, providing peace of mind and company. Duane has been through a lot, admirably and successfully overcoming difficult personal battles. He is a loving father, friend, and a gifted artist too. He has taken classes and learned a new trade and career. Duane, you’ve heard this from Lisa before: we have a great deal of respect for you. We are proud to have you with us this day. THANK YOU, DUANE! We love you – Lisa and Larry

Bridesmaid: Sally Glaser Lisa has known Sally longer than almost anyone here today. Most important is that she knows Lisa – WELL – and has put up with her THROUGH IT ALL! Thank You! Sally has been through heck and back in her life, and Lisa has learned from Sally how to overcome unbelievable odds and be strong in the process. Sally has come through her struggles with love in her heart and still an undying faith in Christ and God, our Father. When we hear the words “put on the armor of God” we think of Sally. Lisa thinks of Sally as her guardian angel as well she is. We are so grateful for you, Sally. We are truly honored and humbled that you are here with us today. THANK YOU, SALLY! We love you – Lisa and Larry

Usher: Robert Romanofsky Bob taught Larry at CSU. Bob respects and cares for his students. He has an endearing and subtle way of expressing good humor. He is kind of shy, not because he is an introvert, but because he is a genuine empathetic and caring person. His empathy comes from being focused on the other person rather than himself. So when Bob gives advice, people listen. Bob, like Larry, is a former altar boy and takes his duties today quite seriously. When Bob is not working at NASA, he’s driving to coal country in PA to visit his elderly mother. Bob is a gracious host and marvelous cook, though he is not catering the reception today. THANK YOU, BOB! We Love You – Lisa and Larry

Flower Girls: Emily Sowko, Stacy Barnhart and Katie Sowko Ages six, five, and four respectively. Emily and Katie are Larry’s nieces and Stacy is Lisa’s niece, or should we say they are our nieces. They are truly the sunshine of our lives! Each one entered our families by the grace of God. Each one has her own unique personality, but yet, are the same. When they are not playing the role of flower girls, they attend school, and in their spare time enjoy doing things they like. Emily likes swimming, horses, Barbies and doing arts and crafts. Stacy likes to read, watch over her younger brother, swimming, arts

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and crafts and school – she is learning Spanish! Katie likes soccer, cars, playing with balls and running. THANK YOU, EMILY, STACY, and KATIE! We love you – Lisa and Larry

Ring Bearer: Joe Barnhart The youngest of the players. Joe is the son of Lisa’s brother Paul. He will be three in a few days. He was born the day before Larry and Lisa had their first date in 2007. While still little, his personality is starting to show. It’s nearly impossible to get mad at his little face as he will give you a little grin that will melt your heart. He likes all the little boy stuff (playing with balls and trucks) and likes to pester his big sister, Stacy too. At first no one was sure if Joey would be up to the task of ring bearer but he was too cute to pass up! THANK YOU, JOE! We love you – Larry and Lisa

Readers: Linda Sowko and Robert Sowko Linda is Larry’s sister, and Bob is Linda’s husband. Since we recruited their two beautiful daughters for flower girl duty, we thought it befitting to have Linda and Bob do the readings. Linda and Bob are an example for us of Catholic heads of a household. The family prays together, which has been a special and significant part of gatherings at the Sowko’s home. Linda and Bob have been especially gracious to both of us and we hope to continue to grow in the same spiritual direction that Linda and Bob have. THANK YOU, LINDA AND BOB! We love you – Larry and Lisa

Eucharistic Minister: Kevin A. Mierzejewski Yes, another Mierzejewski. (Don’t even try to pronounce it. Perhaps at the reception, one of them will try to teach it.) Kevin is Lisa’s cousin. He is faith-filled and believes whole heartedly in the communion with Jesus Christ, the everlasting, ever-present food for our being. Kevin’s love of the Blessed Sacrament made Lisa explore the miracle of the body and blood of Jesus Christ present in the bread and wine at the table each Mass. The meaning and sacredness of the consecration then inspired Lisa to become a Eucharistic Minister. It is an honor that Kevin is giving the Blessed Sacrament here today. THANK YOU, KEVIN! We love you – Larry and Lisa

Pastoral Minister and Wedding Preparation: Br. Denis Weber As many of you know, prior to getting married, the couple is required to complete couple’s counseling. Brother Weber was our facilitator and truly enriched our lives with his direction, advice, suggestions, and expansion of the material covered. He listened to our concerns, hopes, and fears. He was diligent, thorough and inspirational. He was and we hope he will continue to be an enthusiastic yet calming presence in our lives. Brother Weber has a very long

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history within the Cleveland area. Denis was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, attended 12 years of Catholic school before receiving his B.A. in Religious Studies and Philosophy from La Roche College there. He earned a Master’s degree in Spirituality from Duquesne University and a Master’s in Social Science Administration from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. For 18 years, Denis had practiced social work here in Cleveland, primarily with the homeless and clients in hospice, including visiting Lisa’s mother and ministering to her when she was dying. Br. Weber served as board member for agencies such as: AIDS Housing Council, the AIDS Task Force of Greater Cleveland, and CARE Alliance. He met many Gesu parishioners through his three times as a worker on the parish trip to Honduras. In 2004, after considering a vocation to religious life, Denis entered the Society of Jesus in Detroit, and professed vows as a Jesuit Brother in 2006. While continuing his studies as a Jesuit, Br. Denis completed a certificate in Spiritual Direction at Loyola University Chicago. He has also given time and talent to providing retreats for the homeless through the Ignatian Spirituality project, a work of the Chicago Province Jesuits. He also worked as a catechist in the SPRED Program – a religious education service to adults who are developmentally disabled. THANK YOU, BR. WEBER! You have enriched us more than you know – Lisa and Larry

Pastor and Celebrant: Rev. Lorn Snow Fr. Snow is more than a priest. He is a leader, devoted to the theology, teachings and spiritual traditions of St. Ignatius. He is well-educated in Philosophy, Human Services, and Theology. He has worked in the Hospice ministry in Cleveland and Manhattan, led many youth pilgrimages, and taught at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy. He was ordained a Jesuit in 1999 and came to Gesu as an Associate Pastor that same year. He was named Pastor of Gesu, September 1st 2006. Since coming to Gesu, he initiated the Honduras Mission here at Gesu, leading teams of parishioners to Nuevo Paraiso and Montana de Luz twice a year. He reactivated the 50+ Club by holding monthly gatherings including Mass and dinners. He has led the group on various trips in the U.S. and Canada. The 50+ Club has grown to over 100 people in its membership. Father Snow encourages service to others by implementing several programs through the Social Concerns Commission, including a parish-wide Service Day in which over 600 parishioners were involved. He is very active in the Youth Ministry at Gesu, and has held retreats for various age groups throughout the parish. He has done good works and so he does here today by celebrating our wedding Mass with us. He has a true gift for making stories come alive and relates them to the blessing of our Lord Jesus. The quote below sums up Fr. Snow’s life: “Love shows itself more in deeds than in words” – St. Ignatius of Loyola THANK YOU, FR. SNOW! We are honored – Larry and Lisa

“Thank you all for sharing the day with us.”

Gesu, Jesuit Catholic Parish of Cleveland